“In some of the articles I read online while I was getting my WebMD,” Kimi said dryly, “it said patients who were in a coma remembered things that happened in the room that they shouldn’t have been aware of. So you talkin’ to her is the best thing you can do.”
“I hope so. It’s the only damn thing I can do.”
Kimi lifted her head and looked at him. The fear in her eyes matched his own. “I’m sorry for bein’ so difficult. Thank you for lookin’ out for Carolyn above all else.”
“Spent most of my life doin’ it, I sure ain’t gonna stop now.”
“Cal’s been extra attentive to me the past few days. It’s helped. So I hope you’re not pissy that he’s been there for me and not for you.”
“Nah. Only thing I’m pissy about is you didn’t bring me food. What the hell woman? I’m starvin’ here.”
“Carolyn would kick my ass if I didn’t feed you.” Kimi reached into her oversized purse and pulled out a paper bag. “There’s a PB and J sandwich and a baggie of carrots. Satisfied?”
“No cookies?”
She lightly punched his arm.
“Thanks, Kimi.”
“You’re welcome. Now that you and me ain’t on the outs, can I come back another time and sit with you?”
“You gonna get all offended and shit if I tell you I hope I don’t see you up here again? Because that’ll mean Carolyn’s awake and we’re outta here.”
“Fine. I hope I don’t have to sit up here with your whiny ass either.”
He laughed.
Neither spoke for a while. Then he said, “It’s been so quiet.”
“That’s because your kids ain’t been yappin’ in your ear. And they made that choice to stay away. For what it’s worth, they’re regretting their decision.”
Carson narrowed his eyes at her. “Been givin’ our kids what for, have you?”
“Between me’n Vi we’ve got ya covered.”
“I don’t know what to say to that.”
“You don’t have to say anything. Because it’s fun yelling at someone else’s kids. But I do have to ask if one of your stubborn kids swallows their pride and shows up here…?”
“Would I turn them away?” He shook his head. “But the parameters haven’t changed for seein’ their mother.”
“I’ll pass that along.” She stood. “Now get up here and give me a hug.”
Carson held onto her for several long moments. “Thanks.”
“You tell my sister I love her. You tell her not an hour goes by that she’s not in my thoughts. You tell her I got no one else to gossip with or share secrets with and I need her to get better soon. You tell her I’m passing on information to the West family so we don’t get accused of only caring about the McKays. You tell her—”
“Kimi, darlin’, I only get five minutes with her.”
Kimi laughed, stepped back and wiped her eyes. “Okay. I’m goin’. Take care of yourself.”
“I will.” He started to say something and then stopped.
“What?”